"Don't forget Barcelona" Barcelona by HippieFur

Spain, and in particular, the Catalunya region has seeded some great ecentric artist talents of the last century. The city itself is a bit abstract, as is wandering the tight, antiuniform ranting lanes of the barrio gotic off la rambla, plus guell park and la sagrada familia are 2 of the most unusual sights in europe...
Its a blast to walk the rambla on a saturday night, or even during the day.. plenty of great tapas, sangria and paella, a great shore, parks, a good aquarium, grand broad avenues and of course, Gaudi. Barcelona should be included in any central europe itinerary... it has one of the broadest range of activities and sights, some good chow, and lots of life... and easy on the wallet, especially if youre coming from Paris. Credit card will stop smoking here if you do it right.

Stained glass inside La Sagrada Familia

Truthfully, you could just take pictures and view it from outside. Yes, you might have to wait in a 30min line in the hot sun to pass through an under construction, virtually unfurnished cathedral... but I didnt mind waiting... its an even longer wait to climb the spires... Its hot, stuffy, and takes forever.... so if your claustraphobic, skip this.... But how often do you get a chance to see one of the most spectacular archetectual achievments never finished? This is by far one of my favorite sights in europe, although some might not be interested in going in....

the Gaudi Lizard, Guell park

The second of Barcelona's great attractions and another of europes most spectacular sights is guell park. Its a bit of a hike to get up to it, but you are greeted at the to with an unequaled view of the city, and thankfully an easy downhill cruise into the park... the park has a Dr. Seuss feel to it, with bizarre and outlandish gaudi creations scattered through the park set in the airy hills... too bad this isnt set in amsterdam.... well, maybe thats a good thing....

• Pros:Beach, great art, lively city, two of europes best sights, good food...
• Cons:hasnt quite arrived economically yet...
• In a nutshell:A living abstract work of art